Chapter 11: Overboard
As night fell and the sky grew dark, Cleo could be found at the bow of her ship. She had given Gibbs her bed until her watch ended. It was quiet and the sea was calm. Cleo could hear the men in the crow's nest talking softly and smiled. This was the first time in a long time that the captain of the Weeping Angel could not be found weeping. For the few crew members that were still awake, it was a happy moment. They spoke quietly among themselves for a while. She approached the men and smiled at them. One nicknamed "Roach" patter her shoulder. After a few minutes, Roach asked the question that had passed through their minds many times.
"Miss Cleo, who is the man that came back to the ship with you, I mean, if it isn't too much to ask."
Cleo looked at the door to her cabin and laughed. "It's quite alright, Roach. His name is Joshamee Gibbs. We are to be married at Angel's Cove and then he will become your new quartermaster."
Roach smiled and nodded; the group congratulated her and went below deck to sleep. Cleo stayed up and walked around the ship. Eventually, she left the men in the crow's nest to their job and joined Gibbs in bed.
As this captain slept, a wild storm arose. The ship jerked about violently, waking all who were aboard her. Gibbs woke Cleo quickly and made his way to the helm. Cleo stopped him, saying that she would take the helm while he instructed the crew. Barbossa stood beside Cleo, barking orders at her. A very wet and angry Cleo turned to him and stared him down.
"This is not your ship, Barbossa! You have no authority here. Never again will you give orders on MY ship." She yelled.
He silenced himself, but looked as if he were biting back harsh insults. Cleo called for Reah, needing to ask a favor of him. He appeared minutes later and had a whispered conversation with his captain. Barbossa was suspicious, but kept quiet. After a few minutes, Cleo dismissed Reah and continued attempting to guide the ship out of harm's way.
It was a long morning for the Angel and her crew. When the storm cleared, they found themselves at the entrance to Angel's Cove. The Weeping Angel led the Black Pearl into the cavern, past the fork in the cave (one way led to safety and the other to certain death), and to a large, cavernous area. The middle of this area held a rock set above the surface of the water that acted as a small island. The Angel's crew began unloading collected treasure and hiding it away in the many crevices in the rocks. Cleo and Gibbs left the ship to meet on the island with Jack.
Meanwhile, Reah checked the ship for any damages. His search yielded an alarming discovery: Barbossa was not aboard the Weeping Angel.
When the trio returned to the Angel, they were informed of Reah's discovery. Cleo did not seem to be too worried by the fact that Barbossa was gone. She knew that he could have overheard the location of her hideout, but knew better than to think that he could find it without her help. Gibbs and Jack set up a camp on the slab of rock and stayed there while Cleo stayed on her ship alone. The creaking of the ship seemed to repeat the word "overboard" again and again. Cleo jumped when she heard someone board the ship.
"Calm yourself, luv, good ol' Jack won't hurt you."
"Jack, what are you doing here? I thought you were staying in the camp for the night."
"I am. I came to make sure you're alright. Since we've made port and I've talked things over will Gibbs, you're set to be wed. Just say the word, Cleo."
"You talked it over with Joshamee, did you, Jack?"
"Well, sort of…"
"That's what I thought. Come back when you've gone over every aspect with him."
Jack smiled. "Aye, if that be your command."
Jack returned to the camp and sought out his soon-to-be former first mate. He found Gibbs half asleep by a small fire holding a teddy bear in his arms. Jack woke him with a sharp smack to the shoulder. Gibbs jerked upright and made for his pistol. Jack stopped him quickly and shook his head.
"We have to talk, Mr. Gibbs."
"What about, Cap'n?"
"About what's going to happen after you're married. You don't expect to stay with me and the Pearl do you?"
"No, Jack. It wouldn't be fair to her or the rest of your crew."
"What do you mean?"
"My mind would always be with her. Wondering if she's safe; wondering if she's even alive. I don't want to be distracted all the time. What about her? She'd never get to see me. I can't do that to her."
"Go with her. She's promised you the position of quartermaster, and everything would run smoothly under your command."
Gibbs nodded and shook hands with his friend and former captain.
"It was good being in your employ, sir."
"I'll marry you tomorrow then?"
"If Cleo doesn't mind, yes."
Jack grinned and returned to the Weeping Angel.
